We’re expecting a low around 30F (-1.1C) early next week, so we may be enjoying the last flowers for a little while. ‘Twinkle Pink’ cuphea is still glowing rosily in the afternoon light, but a frost will crisp it for the season. Will it happen? Who knows. Texas weather is unpredictable.

It’s a nice reason to get out and enjoy the late-season flowers though.

Of course, foliage plants like ‘Color Guard’ yucca will continue to look good no matter how low the temperatures drop.

And here we are – the time of year where I have to decide if it’s worth trying to keep the summer fruiting plants alive, or to let them go…I think I may have a busy weekend harvesting and digging up some plants…

Hey, at least we have the weekend to prepare this time, right? Happy harvesting, Katina. —Pam

Color Guard is such a good looking yucca. I’m seriously thinking of replacing the standard yucca with it! I do love the Cupheas and wish they were hardier! As to the freeze…we need to see winter here in the Middle South.

Yes, I could use a little winter myself, Gail. Mind you, I said “a little.” ;-) —Pam

Hello! I'm Pam Penick, a dirt-under-my-nails, hoping-for-rain, spiky-plant lover gardening under the Death Star in Austin, Texas (zone 8b). Here's where I share all the gardening goodness I can dig up, not just in Austin but wherever I go. Want to know more? Read Meet Pam and My Gardens. Or drop me a line and say hi.